What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fun of Dying: Find Out What Really Happens Next
Most Americans believe that an afterlife exists, but unfortunately mainstream religions teach a generic faith-based view of it and mainstream science ignores the topic altogether. So people are hungry for concrete facts about the afterlife, and afterlife-related books are perennial best-sellers. Just this year, HarperOne published Evidence of the The Science of Near-Death Experiences by Jeffrey Long and Paul Perry, and Harper Collins published Our Enduring Fascination With the Afterlife by Lisa Miller, both to much acclaim. But neither book answers the basic Where is heaven? What is it like? and How does it feel to die? Nor do any of the many books about the afterlife answer three more basic How is a solid afterlife possible? Who will make it there and who won't? and What are the rules that we must follow to have the best chance of getting there? The Fun of Dying offers detailed answers to all these questions and more in an easily read hundred pages. It also presents two study guides one brief, and one much more detailed so readers can follow the author in learning these eternal truths. It turns out that for most of us, death is the best time of our lives! If you wonder whether death ends life, how it feels to die, or what heaven might be like, this book is for you. If you worry about a lost loved one or fret about the death of a pet, all the answers to your questions are here. And if you are afraid of death, if you worry that your life has no meaning, or if you have given up on religions, then let this book ease some of your fears while it brings new meaning to your life. Nothing in The Fun of Dying is based on the teachings of any religion. Instead, it draws on more than a century s worth of evidence to explain how dying feels, how it happens, and most importantly what comes next. Accounts of near-death experiences are just a small part of the afterlife evidence! A lot of the best death-related evidence was produced in the first half of the 20th century, and it has been ignored ever since by mainstream science and mainstream religions. When it is put together with more recent discoveries, it tells a consistent and amazing story. The Fun of Dying is a complete account of how dying feels and what comes next. Read it, learn the truth, and apply its lessons so you can enjoy your best life forevermore.
- GenresEbooks
190 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2010
49 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Grimes
20 books32 followersRoberta Grimes is a business attorney who had two experiences of light in childhood. She majored in religion at Smith College, and she spent decades studying afterlife evidence, quantum physics, and consciousness theories in order to understand the fundamentally spiritual nature of reality. She uses fiction to explore human nature and the ways in which spirituality affects our lives.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 28, 2010
‘Mainstream scientists believe that there is nothing after death to discover, while mainstream clergymen are sure that there is nothing more to know.’
According to Roberta Grimes, the truth about death is neither mysterious nor frightening. In this book, Ms Grimes explains what she considers to be the reality of the complex process of death: how it happens; what it feels like; and what happens next. It’s a brighter reality than most depictions: after-death life for most will be a joyous experience, even if the actual process of dying is not.
Ms Grimes draws on a number of studies and sources for her evidence, and provides a list of the sources she has used. There is plenty of reading material available for those who want or need more information about the bases from which Ms Grimes’s conclusions are drawn.
I picked this book up just after a close family member died. My motivation? A mixture of curiosity, a search for a different perspective, an attempt to understand how dying could be fun. I found the book an interesting read although I am not (yet, at least) convinced by the details of after-death life provided. What I found most valuable, though, was the reminder of the importance of life. I liked, too, some of the descriptions of after-death life.
If you are interested in what may happen after death and are willing to look outside conventional scientific or religious views, you may enjoy reading this book. I don’t believe that it is necessary to accept all that is written in it in order to derive benefits from reading it.
‘So then, what is real?’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
According to Roberta Grimes, the truth about death is neither mysterious nor frightening. In this book, Ms Grimes explains what she considers to be the reality of the complex process of death: how it happens; what it feels like; and what happens next. It’s a brighter reality than most depictions: after-death life for most will be a joyous experience, even if the actual process of dying is not.
Ms Grimes draws on a number of studies and sources for her evidence, and provides a list of the sources she has used. There is plenty of reading material available for those who want or need more information about the bases from which Ms Grimes’s conclusions are drawn.
I picked this book up just after a close family member died. My motivation? A mixture of curiosity, a search for a different perspective, an attempt to understand how dying could be fun. I found the book an interesting read although I am not (yet, at least) convinced by the details of after-death life provided. What I found most valuable, though, was the reminder of the importance of life. I liked, too, some of the descriptions of after-death life.
If you are interested in what may happen after death and are willing to look outside conventional scientific or religious views, you may enjoy reading this book. I don’t believe that it is necessary to accept all that is written in it in order to derive benefits from reading it.
‘So then, what is real?’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
March 11, 2015
I decided to read this book because the subject matter sounded interesting and it had a high rating average. Plus I needed a quick read. HOW it got the high ratings I'll never know. What a jumbled mess of nonsense! Don't even know how to review it, so I'll just try to explain what kept going through my mind while reading. It seemed as if I was listening to someone with ADHD who was extremely high on speed trying to explain an epiphany she'd had after having read hundreds of books on the subject of death and the afterlife. Paraphrasing: "I read a whole bunch of stuff about such-and-such, but we're not going to talk about that; OH! and I'm not going to list any sources for the'facts' I've found that are proof; and if you don't like this part, then just skip ahead 6 chapters because maybe you'll like that, and -- OH! LOOK! A bunny!!"
What a mess!
What a mess!
August 15, 2018
A difficult read--recommended to me by someone who loved it. Unfortunately, I did not connect--too much weird "quantum physics says...", "Jesus says....", "All the data says..." and not enough unique research and/or insights. the book pretends to be a layman's overview, but it reads more like one mans opinion, and that man has an agenda. I get he is smart, I get that he is well read, but I did not get anything new or original--just a very basic opinion that did little to inspire further investigation.
January 8, 2016
A Wonderful Beginning of a Fascinating Life Study
I enjoyed this book very much and felt all my beliefs about life after life were affirmed. However, as one who has considered life after life most of my earthly life, this book felt like a kindergarten primer. It seems to have been designed for people who fear death, which I do not, having thought about life on the other side for so long. I hope the author will go deeper in other books because I know she can.
I enjoyed this book very much and felt all my beliefs about life after life were affirmed. However, as one who has considered life after life most of my earthly life, this book felt like a kindergarten primer. It seems to have been designed for people who fear death, which I do not, having thought about life on the other side for so long. I hope the author will go deeper in other books because I know she can.
April 20, 2012
Thought provoking but amateurish
Read
February 11, 2024Well, to be perfectly honest, I’m not in love with this picture of the afterlife. It sounds like a cross between Disney World and FarmVille. But never mind that. What troubles me more is what seems to be the author’s insistence that this life here is just a preparation for the real good stuff. There are two kinds of physics - Quantum, which is all, like non-material action at a distance, walking through walls, and other cool stuff. And then pedestrian Newtonian physics which, although it works in its limited sphere, naively believes in solidity. This life is depicted as a sort of Newtonian prison, while the afterlife is all blissful and Quantum.
But - I believe that God/Creator/Spirit/Cosmic Consciousness has a favorite sphere - and that this little solid world is it. Islam has called it “God’s secret.” And it is the place where the Creator first chose to manifest creatures made in the image of their creator. Angels envy us this world. Our humble little Newtonian world is the jewel of Creation. After the Resurrection, there will probably be some walking through walls, as the Risen Jesus did, in the New Earth. But it’s surely called the New “Earth” because it will still embody the solidity and humble quiddity that God spoke into reality and called “good.”
But - I believe that God/Creator/Spirit/Cosmic Consciousness has a favorite sphere - and that this little solid world is it. Islam has called it “God’s secret.” And it is the place where the Creator first chose to manifest creatures made in the image of their creator. Angels envy us this world. Our humble little Newtonian world is the jewel of Creation. After the Resurrection, there will probably be some walking through walls, as the Risen Jesus did, in the New Earth. But it’s surely called the New “Earth” because it will still embody the solidity and humble quiddity that God spoke into reality and called “good.”
April 29, 2020
For me, the book I refer to the most as an authority on this subject is "The Tibetan book of Dying" so this book felt whimsical. I got stuck on the idea that we live a human style existence again for eternity, if there is no time once we leave earth, then what is eternity? The states she described does match the bardos mentioned in Buddhism, and it was lovely to realise that her work came from a lot of research over a lifetime. Her statement that the opinions voiced came from all over the world, and all seemed to describe the same place, like everyone had gone to Fiji. Everyone would describe their experiences differently but they'd all be talking about the same place. But, I couldn't help thinking they may not have realised where Fiji was and that they were surrounded by a vast Pacific ocean.
This book was good to listen to (Audible) during the Covid 19 quarantine, it lifted my heart and left me feeling peaceful. I recommend it to anyone who has been wondering about life during these times.
This book was good to listen to (Audible) during the Covid 19 quarantine, it lifted my heart and left me feeling peaceful. I recommend it to anyone who has been wondering about life during these times.
August 8, 2018
this is a great book, i sure do hope it's true.
February 7, 2022
My friend who lost her son at a young age recommended this book to me. It was a quick read and I really enjoyed learning more about the idea of death really is a new beginning.
May 12, 2018
According to Roberta Grimes, “death is a brief illusion of separation from those we love; at best, it is a glorious new freedom. But it is not in any sense an ending.” Grimes originally set out to write Chapters 6 through 8 (“The Death Experience”, “The Start of Your After-Death Life”, and “Some Enjoyable Details”) of The Fun of Dying: Find Out What Really Happens Next!, as a large-print, illustrated text, which she could give to dying people to help ease their fears and better prepare them for what, according to her, is “life’s most enjoyable adventure.” She soon found, she says, that to write for the dying and make the whole account credible required that she tackle the rest of the book. The resultant text is one that is very much for the living.
The first chapter of the book uses both scientific and religious facts to validate and further reinforce what afterlife evidence tells us. Chapters 2 to 5 tie the afterlife evidence to the reality that we think we see. Chapters 6 to 9, as listed above, discuss the dying process and what happens to us soon after death. However, Grimes advises against taking one’s one life, as that definitely is not fun.
Grimes urges us to open our minds to the truth, so that we can overcome our belief-based anxieties. She asserts that nothing that she says in The Fun of Dying is based on the teachings of any religion. Everything mentioned in the book appears in lay sources, with the Gospel words of Jesus, or Yeshua as Grimes refers to him, only being used to support and further illustrate the evidence of the last century and a half to which she briefly alludes. The reasons for her writing the book are to overcome fear and ignorance about death and dying, to encourage her readers to forgive completely and to learn to love others universally, and to advise them how they can guard against becoming earthbound spirits.
Grimes concludes her book with two suggested study guides to encourage her readers to undertake their own research in this regard. Her first study guide consists of an annotated bibliography, firstly of four key resources that she has found most useful on the topic of death and dying, and then of fifty-odd other books that she has also enjoyed and found useful. She has arranged her descriptions of the books into the following categories: the nature of reality; consciousness as the source of reality; the nature of your mind; near-death experiences; deathbed visions; after-death communications; Instrumental Transcommunication and Electronic Voice Phenomena; group contacts; accounts received through deep-trance mediums; first-person accounts received through automatic writing; reincarnation; spirit possession; learning how to forgive; and learning how to love. Grimes’ second guide throws light on the teachings of Yeshua in relation to God; the importance of love and forgiveness; the need for humility; the nature of our minds; the afterlife; clergymen and religious traditions; his own death; the way to salvation; and his mission.
Grimes’ work should appeal to those who are open-minded in their approach to life and death. The Fun of Dying: Find Out What Really Happens Next! is written for the layperson, and is brief and easy to read. Thought-provoking and insightful, the book deserves to find a home in all general resource centers and libraries that cater for adult readers, as well as on the bookshelf of all those affected by death and the dying process.
The first chapter of the book uses both scientific and religious facts to validate and further reinforce what afterlife evidence tells us. Chapters 2 to 5 tie the afterlife evidence to the reality that we think we see. Chapters 6 to 9, as listed above, discuss the dying process and what happens to us soon after death. However, Grimes advises against taking one’s one life, as that definitely is not fun.
Grimes urges us to open our minds to the truth, so that we can overcome our belief-based anxieties. She asserts that nothing that she says in The Fun of Dying is based on the teachings of any religion. Everything mentioned in the book appears in lay sources, with the Gospel words of Jesus, or Yeshua as Grimes refers to him, only being used to support and further illustrate the evidence of the last century and a half to which she briefly alludes. The reasons for her writing the book are to overcome fear and ignorance about death and dying, to encourage her readers to forgive completely and to learn to love others universally, and to advise them how they can guard against becoming earthbound spirits.
Grimes concludes her book with two suggested study guides to encourage her readers to undertake their own research in this regard. Her first study guide consists of an annotated bibliography, firstly of four key resources that she has found most useful on the topic of death and dying, and then of fifty-odd other books that she has also enjoyed and found useful. She has arranged her descriptions of the books into the following categories: the nature of reality; consciousness as the source of reality; the nature of your mind; near-death experiences; deathbed visions; after-death communications; Instrumental Transcommunication and Electronic Voice Phenomena; group contacts; accounts received through deep-trance mediums; first-person accounts received through automatic writing; reincarnation; spirit possession; learning how to forgive; and learning how to love. Grimes’ second guide throws light on the teachings of Yeshua in relation to God; the importance of love and forgiveness; the need for humility; the nature of our minds; the afterlife; clergymen and religious traditions; his own death; the way to salvation; and his mission.
Grimes’ work should appeal to those who are open-minded in their approach to life and death. The Fun of Dying: Find Out What Really Happens Next! is written for the layperson, and is brief and easy to read. Thought-provoking and insightful, the book deserves to find a home in all general resource centers and libraries that cater for adult readers, as well as on the bookshelf of all those affected by death and the dying process.
February 2, 2015
This book aims to explain what happens when you die. The author researched testaments of people who had had near death experiences, mediums, etc. I don't think I read anything in this book that was too far off from other death related books. The experiences she described reminded me a lot of "What Dreams May Come"- the book, not the movie (that's important). One of the best parts may be the list of resources in the back of the book. For anyone interested in this subject that list alone will lead you down a rabbit hole or two.
The only thing that bugged me was how she purported to give an overall description of death and heaven that included all religions and yet spent so much time talking about Jesus. I really think she could have done a little research into Buddhist beliefs or the teachings of the prophet Mohammad at the very least to give a more well rounded view. She quoted Jesus at the beginning of every chapter, and while I agree that those quotes were relevant, I'm pretty sure with a google search I could find quotes from other religions that would say very similar things. I think it would do more to prove her theories if she could show that all or more religious teachings are actually saying the same thing.
The only thing that bugged me was how she purported to give an overall description of death and heaven that included all religions and yet spent so much time talking about Jesus. I really think she could have done a little research into Buddhist beliefs or the teachings of the prophet Mohammad at the very least to give a more well rounded view. She quoted Jesus at the beginning of every chapter, and while I agree that those quotes were relevant, I'm pretty sure with a google search I could find quotes from other religions that would say very similar things. I think it would do more to prove her theories if she could show that all or more religious teachings are actually saying the same thing.
April 24, 2016
This book is a must.
I myself have been researching the after-life for decades. I am so excited that another person came to the same truths as me. It has been a lonely road because my friends and family do not have the same belief system. So either I get ridiculed, or I keep to myself. Except that I recently started a blog and in this blog I shared many of my own experiences both life and spiritual because I do believe I have been blessed with truths and experiences that are meant to be shared. My blog is Grammietimes.com.
I found this book to give me such joy because it was so in line with my own study and research. Roberta did such a great job in putting this book together. Though I am not a Scientist I loved that Roberta devoted a couple of chapters to the scientific mind. I liked it because so much of what she covered here is questions some have thrown at me if I try to share my beliefs. Anyone who is searching for answers about how death and the after-life need to read this book. Roberta has taken years of research that she has done and saved you so much time. I know because it took me years and years to come to the truths in this book. This book is a gift to every human being and needs to be read.
I myself have been researching the after-life for decades. I am so excited that another person came to the same truths as me. It has been a lonely road because my friends and family do not have the same belief system. So either I get ridiculed, or I keep to myself. Except that I recently started a blog and in this blog I shared many of my own experiences both life and spiritual because I do believe I have been blessed with truths and experiences that are meant to be shared. My blog is Grammietimes.com.
I found this book to give me such joy because it was so in line with my own study and research. Roberta did such a great job in putting this book together. Though I am not a Scientist I loved that Roberta devoted a couple of chapters to the scientific mind. I liked it because so much of what she covered here is questions some have thrown at me if I try to share my beliefs. Anyone who is searching for answers about how death and the after-life need to read this book. Roberta has taken years of research that she has done and saved you so much time. I know because it took me years and years to come to the truths in this book. This book is a gift to every human being and needs to be read.
May 11, 2015
What a beautiful and soul-changing book!
I picked this book because I've always been curious about life after death. I didn't expect it to completely change my viewpoint on death and actually cause me to not be afraid of it. Roberta really has done her homework ! She truly uses her research and experience to show us what we see happening after death. What we find is that the words of Jesus, or Yeshua , are more true than we can possibly imagine. It is like hindsight when she spells out her evidence according to research and how it correlates to the red letter of the Gospels. After reading this book not only do I not fear death, but I have an unending hope and excitement for the rest of my life and beyond. Even if you do not just consider yourself a Christian, please pick up this book. You will find that it will change your viewpoint on a lot of things involved in your life.
I picked this book because I've always been curious about life after death. I didn't expect it to completely change my viewpoint on death and actually cause me to not be afraid of it. Roberta really has done her homework ! She truly uses her research and experience to show us what we see happening after death. What we find is that the words of Jesus, or Yeshua , are more true than we can possibly imagine. It is like hindsight when she spells out her evidence according to research and how it correlates to the red letter of the Gospels. After reading this book not only do I not fear death, but I have an unending hope and excitement for the rest of my life and beyond. Even if you do not just consider yourself a Christian, please pick up this book. You will find that it will change your viewpoint on a lot of things involved in your life.
January 23, 2015
I bought this book to see if my experience was explained in it. I coded a couple of times in 09 but my experience was slightly different from most other NDEs even though I know it was an NDE. Amazingly it is in the book. She even mentions other books I've read 20, 25 years ago as well as newer ones and her descriptions duplicate what I've been told and discovered and come to believe. I love finding new writings like this that reconfirm things I've come to believe. It's even nicer when they're well written and documented like this one.
May 17, 2016
Roberta Grimes is delightful! She writes with such clarity. This book is one of the best gifts you can give to someone who is grieving the loss of a recently departed loved one. It would also be good for those with illnesses who are facing the end of their own lives. Death is not something to be feared. Just the opposite according to the wealth of research and insight she provides in a very small and accessible book. Packed with joy. Good stuff!
August 25, 2019
I was very skeptical starting to read this book I was thinking of quitting was it got a bit too co.located for me,but something told me to finish it and I am glad I did. I recommend reading this book,it's very enlighting.
I have a very hard time writing ,this kindle keeps on quitting onme. So I'll just finish by way read the darn book it's good and it will make you think and feel better
I have a very hard time writing ,this kindle keeps on quitting onme. So I'll just finish by way read the darn book it's good and it will make you think and feel better
July 26, 2016
Great book.
I have read several books on death and what happens after we die. This book made a lot of sense. I especially like that religion has nothing to do with what happens when we die. We are all here to learn. I like that she added scriptures to the book.
I have read several books on death and what happens after we die. This book made a lot of sense. I especially like that religion has nothing to do with what happens when we die. We are all here to learn. I like that she added scriptures to the book.
March 30, 2017
The fun of learning!
I have read many books about the afterlife but this one sums it up very succinctly and is an easy and enjoyable read. The author also touches on quantum physics and explains it in a way we can easily understand.
I have read many books about the afterlife but this one sums it up very succinctly and is an easy and enjoyable read. The author also touches on quantum physics and explains it in a way we can easily understand.
October 13, 2011
Very short but compelling read. It did give me a foundation for future reading material on the subject of the afterlife. Recommended to those with open minds.
June 4, 2015
Won this Through Goodread First Read.
Well written. Easy to read. Interesting subject. Very glad I got the chance to read this book. Plenty of follow up reading to get done now.
Well written. Easy to read. Interesting subject. Very glad I got the chance to read this book. Plenty of follow up reading to get done now.
April 9, 2015
Excellent
Wonderfully written smart and practical and would recommend to anyone that feels they need to think outside the religion box keep up the good work roberta
Wonderfully written smart and practical and would recommend to anyone that feels they need to think outside the religion box keep up the good work roberta
August 27, 2015
Lots of interesting ideas.
May 15, 2016
The author admits the title is hokey. I almost didn't read the book because of it. It was an interesting read but nothing I haven't heard before.
July 4, 2016
Interesting perspective. The best part of the book is the appendix that suggests further reading and study of the subject.
Read
August 5, 2018Forgive and love everyone.
Same as life; don't let your fears stop you from practicing empathy and joy. Great wonders await. Most enlightening. Makes sense.
Same as life; don't let your fears stop you from practicing empathy and joy. Great wonders await. Most enlightening. Makes sense.
November 3, 2018
Good book
I liked this one. I will buy and read more of her books. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.
I liked this one. I will buy and read more of her books. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.
April 9, 2020
Simply Perfect
Words can’t express it. I am so great full to the author, my sincere gratitude to help us evolve & understand life at its core
Words can’t express it. I am so great full to the author, my sincere gratitude to help us evolve & understand life at its core
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews